Bikes, Bats and Boats

Newtown Creek Alliance, along with our partners from NYC Audubon and the North Brooklyn Boat Club, are leading a series of pedaling and paddling tours around Newtown Creek this summer and fall. RSVP is required; check out the details for each event below and sign up with the links provided.

Once a vast tidal wetland, the Creek quickly became one of the busiest waterways in the county, leaving a significant legacy of environmental destruction and contamination, leading to the ultimate designation as a federal superfund. However, improvements are underway and the past 2 decades have seen improvements to water quality and with it a returning ecology where fish, crabs and a plethora of shorebirds now exist amongst the challenging conditions.

The bike tours will stop at key locations that highlight the industrial history, pollution issues and ecological activity along the Creek. The bicycling portion will take place almost exclusively within a heavy industrial zone. To minimize conflicts with traffic and noise, the tours will take place on a Sunday when most businesses are closed. Nevertheless, the route runs along industrial roads and is recommended for experienced bicyclists. Participants are responsible for providing their own bicycle and ensuring that it is in proper working order.

The tours with boating will be run out of the North Brooklyn Boat Club (Ash and McGuinness) where participants will receive on-land safety instruction before joining trained canoe guides to explore the waters aboard two 25′ canoes. The canoe trip will venture into Dutch Kills, an intimate urban waterway running through Long Island City. No paddling experience is required; all boating and safety equipment is provided.

Participants are encouraged to bring water, sun protection and a small snack. There will be ample opportunity for photography and bird watching along the route as well.

Bike Tour: June 24th
11am to 1:30pm
More info and sign up here.

Bike Tour: July 22nd
11am to 1:30pm
More info and sign up here.

Bat Watching Canoe Tour
August 26th, 6 to 9pm
More in and sign up here.

Canoe Tour: Sept 9th
11:30am to 3:30pm
More info and sign up here.

Canoe Tour: Oct 7th
11:30am to 3:30pm
More info and sign up here.

 

These events are run in conjunction with the Kingsland Wildflowers project and are made possible with generous support from the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund and the Office of the New York State Attorney General and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

 

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